Why Your Car AC is not Blowing Cold Air?

The hot days of summer are almost here!  Even though we are looking forward to warmer temperatures, most people want to stay cool and relaxed in their car even for a short commute to work or to the store.  It’s especially important if you’re still planning a summer road trip.  Your car air conditioner will get a lot of use over the summer so don’t find yourself why your car is not blowing cold air.

So wondering why your car AC is not blowing cold air?  One easy solution may just be that fresh coolant is needed in the radiator. Other reasons may include:

• There is not sufficient pressure in the AC’s compressor for the refrigerant to cool correctly.
• There is a clog in the system allowing the high-pressure refrigerant to slowly decompress through the block. 
• The AC unit is exposed to stress from the heat of the engine, road debris, dirt, vibrations, quick stops, or even run-ins with curbs or other obstacles in the road, creating small cracks through which the refrigerant is escaping.  
• The cooling fans could be burned out, badly mounted, a chipped blade, or a blown fuse or burnt-out relay.
• Faulty signals received from the electrical system caused by a broken wire or bad module, bad sensors tripping off your system or causing the system to shut off inadvertently.  

Because today’s car air conditioners are much more complex than in years past, it is vital that you schedule auto AC service with a mechanic that is certified to handle refrigerants. You will reap the benefits of a more relaxed ride, increased gas mileage, and a more environmentally-friendly vehicle.

So if you’re wondering why your car AC is not blowing cold air, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about auto AC service and to Make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Wondering what are Signs of a Bad Axle?

There are some different signs of a bad axle, all of which are fairly obvious as it significantly impacts how your car handles while driving down the road.  You may be worried how it affects the car struts and shocks.  

Are you wondering what are signs of a bad axle?  Here are the most common signs:

• Wobble and Vibration While Driving – Excessive vibration after hitting a deep pothole, running over a curb, or other objects in the road, causing unusual rumbling noise underside the vehicle, tire wobbling, sluggish driving, could be an indicator of a damaged axle. Vibrations may be particularly noticeable while accelerating, slowing down, or turning.  If the axle is damaged enough to cause vibrating, it usually wants to be replaced.
• Loud Clunking or Clanking – If you hear loud clunking as you put your vehicle into gear or if your vehicle struggles for power as it starts to move, there may be axle damage.  Adequate power from the transmission cannot be transferred to the wheels due to slack in the joints. A loud clunking noise can also be an indicator of transmission failure, so be sure to have it checked out.
• Leaking Grease – Leaking grease underside the vehicle or on the inside tire edge can mean a leaking axle boot or CV boot. A leaking axle boot does not necessarily mean that the axle has been damaged, but a lack of grease can cause future issues.  If dirt gets through a broken joint cover, it can cause failure to the axle. Axle boots and boot clamps are easily visible underside a vehicle and should be checked regularly. 
• Brakes – If a bent axle makes the wheels wobble, it can lead to brake failure due to the brake pads becoming misaligned with the wheels.

Of course, if the axle is completely broken, you will go now here.  The engine may be running, but your car can’t move without the transfer of power from the transmission.  Axles are as vital to a correctly functioning and safe vehicle as much as the engine, steering, car struts, and tires. 

Do you want to know what are signs of a bad axle? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car axles, car struts, brakes, and more, and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Car Battery?

Have you ever had to call for roadside assistance because of a dead battery?  As you know, if your battery is starting to fail, your vehicle won’t have the power to start, move, or power any of the electrical accessories.

Wondering what issues could cause starting problems?  Check out the problems below: 

1. Battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, 
2. The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
3. An electrical current is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off,
4. The starter is going bad,
5. The alternator is going bad

So you may be wondering how often do you need to replace your car battery?  Normally, under normal driving conditions, car batteries can become worn down and inefficient between 4 and 7 years. Car batteries work just like cell phone batteries—with every charge it becomes less efficient.  Once your battery reaches the four-year mark, it may be almost totally unreliable.  A weak battery can have a negative effect on all the components of the auto electrical system, such as headlights, radio, power windows, etc.  

Another big problem relating to car batteries is the stop-start technology in newer cars that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill.  This places a greater strain on batteries than standard vehicles.  The powerful computers found in today’s cars are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off, drawing energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate. 

Here are several signs that it may be time for a car battery replacement:

1. The engine won’t start even though you hear it cranking. 
2. You turn the key in the starter but nothing happens.
3. Your vehicle may start randomly one day and not the next.  

Remember to add car battery maintenance to your automotive service checklist, just like changing the oil, tires rotation, air filter, and windshield wipers.   

Do you know how often do you need to replace your car battery?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

How do you know if your Car needs Oil?

If you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, it is essential that you follow the suggested oil change interval stated in your owner’s manual.  Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating parts and extending the life of your engine, so why do people put off a wanted oil change?  

How do you know if your car needs oil?  There are some factors that help determine when to get an oil change, such as mileage, quality of oil, the age of the car, and how the car is driven.  

Over time, oil breaks down and will lose its efficiency in doing its job.  Here are a few warning signs that your car wants an oil change:

1. Check engine or oil change light -- If the level of oil gets too low, either the oil change light or the check engine light will come on.  Inspect the dipstick and top off the oil if it’s not too low. If the oil is too low, the engine is at risk of damage due to a lack of lubrication.
2. Engine noise and knocking -- If your oil isn’t doing its job of lubricating, the engine noise will get louder and louder. Knocking sounds could indicate that there is excessive friction in the engine and may result in overheating and damage.
3. Dark, dirty oil -- Over time, oil becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns dark. Inspect your oil at least monthly.  You should see the dipstick through the oil.
4. Oil smell inside the car -- This may indicate an oil leak. If you also smell gas, the vehicle may be overheating. 
5. Exhaust smoke -- If smoke comes from the tailpipe, you may have faulty engine parts or an oil leak.
6. Excessive Mileage -- If you reliably travel a lot of miles, you may want oil changes sooner than the usual schedule. Inspect your owner’s manual for specific guidelines. 

Remember:  Having the right level and quality of oil will prevent excessive wear and tear on your engine, ultimately resulting in fewer repairs down the road.

Are you wondering how do you know if your car needs oil?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

Top 8 General Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving!

Winter will soon be here in full force!  Because preventative vehicle maintenance is so vital for this time of year, ask your auto repair technician to perform a thorough checkup of all the systems of your vehicle.  Of course, be sure to have any compulsory repairs taken care of as soon as potential.  This will ensure that you can drive your car with confidence out on wet and icy roads.

Remember to take care of these general car maintenance tips for safe winter driving:

• Car Battery--Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s cranking power. A battery generally has only about half of the cranking power at 0° F than it has at 80° F.  If your battery is worn out, it may be time to replace it.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades generally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. Streaks or missed expanses of glass are signs that the blades should be replaced.  Remove ice from the windshield with an ice scraper, not your wiper blades. If you park outside, place the wipers in the raised position to keep them from freezing to the windshield.  Keep your windshield-washer reservoir filled with a washer solution that contains an antifreeze agent.  Also, make sure the heater is functioning properly so that plenty of warm air is being directed to the windshield in the defrost mode.
• Lights--Inspect that all the car's lights are working correctly and that the lenses are clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you.
• Oil--Oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Normally, you should be using multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity, signifying that it's formulated for winter use, providing good oil flow at low temperatures.
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts--Have the radiator and heater hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Try to keep your coolant mixture at the correct ratio of antifreeze and water to keep it from freezing.  Your mechanic will be happy to inspect it for you.
• Tires-- Inspect your tire traction.  If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires rated to perform well in snow and ice tests should be fine.  Or you should consider purchasing snow tires that are designed with special tread patterns and made from rubber compounds that can grip snow and ice for optimum traction.  Keep your tires correctly inflated, as tire pressure declines with the thermometer.
• Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear screeching, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as potential so you can stop on slick and icy roads.
• Emergency kit--Always carry a supply of water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlight, road flares, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone and charger.

Need to know more general car maintenance tips?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about our vehicle maintenance services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

What are the Signs of Engine Problems?

Has your vehicle lost its power when going up an incline or trying to pass a slower vehicle?  If you’re experiencing engine issues, your auto shop is a good place to start in finding out what to do to help restore its performance.  The first piece of advice you will possibly hear is to make sure you are taking care of all suggested engine service items. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your car running strong and prevent a major engine repair.  

So what are the signs of engine problems?  The “Check Engine” light will possibly be the first sign of a problem in the engine.  Even though you may be a little fearful about what could be happening under the hood, don’t put off calling your auto shop and scheduling a diagnostic service.  This will help your mechanic pinpoint were any pending issues are occurring.

Here are a few other signs of engine problems you may start to notice:  

1. Loss of Power –There could be a glitch in the combustion process so that gasoline is not being converted into the power needed to make your vehicle go. 
2. Decreased Fuel Economy – There could be a problem in the compression stroke of the engine. 
3. Noisy Engine – If there is something starting to fail in the combustion flow, you may start to hear strange sounds during the ignition process, such as knocking, backfiring, hissing, spitting.
4. Engine Stalling – The intake stroke is not receiving the right spark or air/fuel mixture. 
5. Noxious Odors – Bad odors from the exhaust may be detected if the exhaust stroke of your internal combustion engine is starting to fail. 
6. Engine Keeps Running After Motor Is Turned Off – The octane in the gas is incorrect, a solenoid is failing, or the carburetor wants an adjustment.
7. Engine Runs Rough – This is generally caused by a blockage in the system, old spark plugs, and an incorrect octane level.

Are you looking for quality engine repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon for more information about what are the signs of engine problems and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves car owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.

How Do You Know If You Need Transmission Fluid?

You should first understand the two main purposes of what transmission fluid is and what it does.  First, it lubricates all the surfaces and components of the transmission system to help prevent excessive friction and overheating. Secondly, it transmits power from the engine to the transmission.  

Theoretically, transmission fluid never needs to be changed.  Though, some auto mechanics do not agree with this concept.  Many manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid at about 100,000 miles.  Some auto mechanics say that it should be changed at least every 50,000 miles.  Read your owner’s manual and discuss your concerns with your mechanic.

Though, it is a fact that transmission fluid does deteriorate over time.  There are certain driving conditions, such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling heavy loads, or trailer towing, raise the transmission’s operating temperature and put more strain on the transmission and the fluid.   Also, if the transmission is wearing out, a leak could be developing.  

Transmission fluid can come in several colors, but it is most often red in color.  It will become darker as it deteriorates. You may also start to notice a burned odor.  This could be an indication that the fluid wants to be changed or that the transmission is developing issues.

How do you know if you need transmission fluid replaced?  Here are five common issues that could develop:

1. Grinding or squealing noises while shifting
2. Shifting is difficult
3. Inexplicable surging
4. Gears slipping
5. Delay in movement after shifting

It is a good idea to have your transmission fluid checked about once a month.  If there are any of the signs listed above, especially if you have already topped off the transmission fluid, you may be facing a costly transmission repair. 

Are you wondering how do you know if you need transmission fluid?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about transmission repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.